Diderot Effect Questions

The latest episode of Author Marketing was most fascinating, a /nd as someone working on a novel series that I intend to “finish” (at least a good draft of each book) before the first one is released, I have the potential to make this work. HOWEVER, I have a number of questions as it relates to an entire series. Would love your thoughts:

1. If I could have all the covers for the series on the back page or back matter, should I? Even before they are released? It would seem that there are pro’s and con’s with this.

2. If the answer to #1 is yes, if possible, you would have to do artwork for all of the books at once. a) Has anyone done anything like this before—commissioned book covers for an entire series (4 or more books). What does it look like? Cost savings or is it essentially the cost x4 or x5? b) I have often heard that a really good book cover artist will read the book— is an artist realistically going to read five books?

3. What sort of “proof” of market receptivity would you look to before investing many thousands in an “entire series” approach to marketing before releasing even the first? 10 arc' readers saying “this is amazing!” ? 30 ? Any other ways to gauge receptivity prior to release?

Thanks for all thoughts. I found it a fascinating episode. And, thinking preemptively, I did ask AI Thomas for thoughts on this, but want some human feedback as well.

Grace and peace,

Paul